This fall capsule wardrobe is coming a bit later than prior years. The weather here in Chicago was toasty much longer than expected this year with highs in the mid-80’s well into October. For me, fall means sweaters, jackets, and boots, and just the thought of wearing all those items just last week was sweat-inducing in and of itself. But, as the Midwest tends to do, one day it’s summer and the next it’s fall! We welcomed some crisp weather this week, and my autumn loving heart is rejoicing. Every year, and typically every season, I put together a capsule wardrobe of pieces I own to style IRL for a few weeks. Realistically, you could use this capsule for the entirety of the fall season if you repeated outfits once (which we love to see!), but since my job entails a bit of shopping and outfit creation, I only use my capsule for a limited time. However, I am sharing 40 outfit ideas using the capsule right here in this post so you can see how to mix and match everything.
For this capsule, I wanted to make this highly realistic for my own life. Sometimes, I’ll include a dress or a skirt in some of my capsules, but my casual life usually does not call for anything too dressy. I’ve accepted that while I adore the street style of the fashion girlies in Copenhagen and Paris, I’m a Midwestern mom whose biggest outing of the day is school pickup.
I’m going to break down each piece in this 23 piece capsule so you can see my rational for including it plus sizing recommendations and an affordable alternative if necessary!
Fall Capsule Wardrobe 2025
Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Tops
Black & White Tee // These are the foundational pieces of my capsule wardrobes, and I always include them. I like to go up one size in the Sézane tees and two sizes in the Everlane tees.
Gray Sweater // A gray sweater is a capsule wardrobe staple. I typically prefer one with a relaxed or oversized fit that feels comfy but still looks polished. Mine is cashmere and is from Quince (it’s a steal!) It fits true to size for an oversized fit.
Striped Shirt // Classic and chic, stripes will never go out of favor in my book. I recently purchased this striped shirt from Alex Mill. It’s really nice quality and has a cropped, boxy fit. I like to layer mine under jackets and blazers in the fall, but I’ve also been recently loving the interest it adds when tied at the waist. This one fits true to size.
Denim Shirt // I love a denim shirt for fall especially for it’s versatility. I can wear it on it’s own with a sweater over the shoulders or under a jacket or even under a sweater. Plus, denim goes so well with burgundy which, as you can see, it’s my main color story for this capsule. I find the Max shirt to fit true to size (I have the 0 but would probably prefer the 2.)
Burgundy Sweatshirt // For fall weekends, my go-to look is usually a sweatshirt and jeans with a cool jacket over top and sneakers. It’s comfy and practical and that’s what weekends call for. This one is from Gap and comes in a ton of colors (I also own the black moss green wash and the dark hunter green.) These fit true to size.
Brown Shirt // Chocolate brown is another featured color in this capsule; I’ve been kind of obsessed with it the last few years. Just like the denim shirt, I can wear this on it’s own or layer it under a sweater. I recommend your true size.
Cable Knit Sweater // This was one of my fall wishlist items, and I’m very excited to work it into my wardrobe. It’s the perfect cozy fall and winter knit that’s giving Meg Ryan/Ralph Lauren vibes. It runs big, but I got my true size XS for an oversized cozy fit.
Burgundy Cardigan // Another fall wishlist item purchase was this chunky cardigan from Sézane. It’s such a beautiful color. Note that it can be a bit scratchy so I prefer to layer it over a scoop neck tee like this. I took a size down since it runs large.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Outerwear
Green Trench Coat // This trench coat is one of my favorite things in my closet so you know she was going to be in this capsule. It has the perfect relaxed fit and this beautiful plaid lining that just makes it extra special. It comes in a few color options all with different linings (I also own the brown/leopard print one!) I recommend sizing down if you’re between sizes.
Barn Coat // This barn coat from Mango is more heavyweight kind of like a parka which I love because I tend to get cold in the fall. You can dress it down with sneakers or dress it up with heeled boots. See more styling ideas in this post.
Green Wool Coat // This was one of my fall wishlist items I purchased! Truth be told, it’s still on the way to me so I can’t officially recommend sizing yet, but I got the XS as Mango coats tend to run oversized.
Leather Jacket // This leather jacket is perfection in fit, quality, and price. The leather is distressed so it looks kind of vintage which I love. This can also be dressed up or down. It fits true to size for an oversized fit.
Black Blazer // You know I love blazer season! I had a plaid one on my wishlist but my budget didn’t allow for it this time around (I’m keeping it as a possible purchase for winter!) This black blazer from Everlane is a nice mid-weight which means it can be worn for hot or cold fall days.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Bottoms
Light Wash Jeans // These relaxed fit jeans are surprisingly comfortable which is why I chose to include them in this caspsule. Plus, the cropped length makes them easy to style with all the shoes I included. Take your smaller size if you’re in between sizes. For a more affordable option, try this pair which I also own and highly recommend!
Black Jeans // For a little variation, I like to include some black jeans in my fall capsule. If you are someone who goes into the office, you could swap these for a pair of black trousers as well. This pair is made with a stretch denim so they are also super comfortable. Take your larger size if you’re in between sizes. For a more affordable option, check out this pair.
Dark Wash Jeans // These jeans are just a classic pair of slim fit straight leg jeans. They go with basically everything! I recommend taking your larger size. If you’re taller than 5′ 4″, swap for this pair.
Corduroy Pants // I was shopping around for a pair of non-denim pants for this capsule and found this pair from Alex Mill. They are a corduroy material so they work well for fall and winter.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe: Shoes
Brown Boots // These brown suede ankle boots from Madewell are a nice shape and have a moderate heel which I prefer for an ankle boot. I always recommend going up a half size in boots so you can wear thick socks with them.
Black Boots // These were another fall wishlist purchase and are currently on their way to me (I hope they fit!) They are supposed to be a really comfortable ankle boot with good support. I also love the elongated toe box which helps make your legs look longer.
Burgundy Sneakers // I couldn’t resist this pair of burgundy sneakers (as you can see burgundy is my personality for fall.) Plus, you can’t have a capsule wardrobe without a comfortable pair of shoes.
Suede Loafers // I love a loafer but sometimes the leather ones feel a bit stiff and uncomfortable for my casual lifestyle. These suede ones from Reformation are really sleek but pretty much wear like slippers (Yesss.) They fit true to size. Note that I bought multiple pairs of these socks from Le Bon Shoppe so I can wear my loafers and ballet flats into the colder months without my feet freezing.
Black Ballet Flat // Ballet flats are probably my most worn shoe this time of year so it was hard to include just one in this capsule, but I made it a really, really good pair. I love the texture this pair adds to my outfits. If you’re on a budget, I also own this pair from Madewell which are super comfortable.
Fall Capsule Wardrobe Outfit Ideas
Accessories // Faux Suede Bag, Green Suede Bag, Woven Leather Bag, Black Sunglasses, Brown Sunglasses, Knot Earrings, Suede Sling Bag (ASHLEYR15 for 15% off), Pendant Necklace
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